Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A communication device comprising: a controller configured for: transmitting and receiving a message attached with a priority level via a communication line, and arbitrating, in a case where message transmission from the communication device and message transmission from a different device are concurrently performed, to decide which message transmission is to be performed based on the priority level; a counter in which the number of consecutive blocks, which corresponds to the number of messages consecutively blocked from being transmitted as a result of arbitration by the controller, is stored; and a memory in which the number of allowed blocks, which corresponds to the number of consecutive messages allowed to be blocked, is stored in association with the priority level, wherein the controller is further configured for: detecting abnormality concerning communication based on the number of consecutive blocks stored in the counter and the number of allowed blocks stored in the memory, for each message to be transmitted or received by the controller, and determining, in a case where the controller receives a message, whether or not the number of consecutive blocks stored in the counter is larger than the number of allowed blocks stored in the memory in accordance with the priority level attached to the message.
This invention relates to communication devices that handle message transmission and reception with priority-based arbitration. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable communication by detecting abnormalities when messages are repeatedly blocked due to priority conflicts. The device includes a controller that transmits and receives messages with attached priority levels over a communication line. When two devices attempt to transmit messages simultaneously, the controller arbitrates based on priority levels to decide which message is sent. A counter tracks the number of consecutive messages blocked from transmission due to arbitration, while a memory stores a predefined number of allowed blocked messages (allowed blocks) associated with each priority level. The controller monitors communication health by comparing the counter value against the allowed blocks for the message's priority level. If the counter exceeds the allowed blocks, an abnormality is detected, indicating potential communication issues. This mechanism ensures that high-priority messages are not excessively delayed, maintaining system reliability. The invention is applicable in networks where message priority and fault detection are critical, such as industrial control systems or real-time communication environments.
2. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to determine, every time a message is to be transmitted from the controller, whether or not the number of consecutive blocks stored in the counter is larger than the number of allowed blocks stored in the memory in accordance with the priority level attached to the message, and detect that abnormality concerning communication occurs at a time point when it is determined that the number of consecutive blocks is larger than the number of allowed blocks.
This invention relates to communication devices that monitor and detect communication abnormalities by tracking message transmission patterns. The device includes a controller, a counter, and a memory. The controller manages message transmission, while the counter tracks the number of consecutive message blocks sent. The memory stores a threshold value for allowed consecutive blocks, which varies based on the priority level of the message. Before transmitting a message, the controller checks if the counter's value exceeds the stored threshold. If it does, the controller detects a communication abnormality, indicating potential issues like congestion or malfunctions. The system ensures reliable communication by dynamically adjusting thresholds based on message priority, preventing excessive consecutive transmissions that could degrade network performance. This approach enhances fault detection and maintains communication stability in systems where message priority influences transmission behavior. The invention is particularly useful in networks requiring real-time monitoring and adaptive error handling.
3. The communication device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a second counter in which the accumulated number of bits in a message transmitted or received on the communication line is stored, wherein the controller is further configured for detecting abnormality concerning communication based on the accumulated number during a predetermined period of time.
This invention relates to communication devices designed to monitor and detect abnormalities in data transmission over communication lines. The device includes a first counter that tracks the number of bits transmitted or received on the communication line, allowing the controller to detect anomalies by comparing the bit count against a threshold value. Additionally, the device incorporates a second counter that accumulates the total number of bits in messages transmitted or received over a specified time period. The controller uses this accumulated data to identify communication irregularities by analyzing the bit count trends within the predetermined timeframe. By continuously monitoring these metrics, the device can detect potential issues such as data loss, transmission errors, or network congestion, ensuring reliable communication. The dual-counter system enhances fault detection by providing both real-time and historical data analysis, improving the accuracy and responsiveness of anomaly detection in communication networks.
4. The communication device according to claim 1 , further comprising a control unit performing such control as to fix a potential of the communication line if the controller detects abnormality.
A communication device includes a controller that monitors a communication line for abnormalities. When an abnormality is detected, the device includes a control unit that fixes the potential of the communication line to a predetermined level. This ensures stable operation by preventing voltage fluctuations or signal disruptions that could occur due to the detected abnormality. The device may also include a communication circuit for transmitting and receiving data over the communication line, and a power supply circuit to provide necessary electrical power. The control unit may be integrated with the controller or operate independently, depending on the system design. The fixed potential may be a ground reference, a regulated voltage, or another stable voltage level, depending on the application requirements. This feature enhances reliability in communication systems by mitigating the effects of faults such as short circuits, open circuits, or voltage spikes. The device is particularly useful in industrial, automotive, or telecommunication applications where maintaining signal integrity is critical.
5. The communication device according to claim 1 , further comprising a notification unit notifying a different device, if the controller detects abnormality, via a signal line different from the communication line.
This invention relates to communication devices designed to enhance reliability in data transmission systems. The primary problem addressed is ensuring robust communication and timely detection of abnormalities in data transmission, particularly in systems where communication lines may be compromised or unreliable. The communication device includes a controller that monitors data transmission for abnormalities, such as errors, disruptions, or failures. When an abnormality is detected, the device activates a notification unit that sends an alert to a different device. This alert is transmitted via a separate signal line, distinct from the primary communication line, ensuring that the notification remains unaffected by issues in the main data transmission path. The use of a dedicated signal line for notifications improves system reliability by providing an independent channel for critical alerts, reducing the risk of undetected failures. The notification unit may employ various signaling methods, such as electrical, optical, or wireless signals, depending on the system requirements. The separate signal line ensures that even if the primary communication line fails, the notification is still delivered, allowing for prompt corrective action. This design is particularly useful in industrial, medical, or safety-critical applications where uninterrupted communication and immediate fault detection are essential. The invention enhances system resilience by decoupling the notification mechanism from the main data transmission path, ensuring that critical alerts are not lost due to communication line failures.
Unknown
September 3, 2019
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